God has given each of us a key role to play in His story—but that doesn’t mean the journey will be easy. As we continue to follow the journey of God’s people, we discover that Moses wasn’t ready for his leading role; that Joshua and Caleb had to go against the flow; that Rahab put everything on the line for the sake of a God worshiped by her enemies; and that Ruth set aside the safety of home to forge into the unknown. God’s people were on the move, but every new step was an act of courage.

While the kids in our lives aren’t facing down an Egyptian ruler or setting off for new lands, they still need courage to do difficult things every single day. From speaking up in class to starting a conversation with a new kid to facing a doctor visit, kids need the help of God’s Holy Spirit.

You can remind them that feeling scared doesn’t mean they can’t be brave. In fact, courage means trusting God to help you be brave. When kids choose to rely on God’s help to do something hard, even when they’re afraid, others can see God at work—and on the move.

Sunday, September 7
Moses
Though he’s a larger-than-life figure to us now, Moses actually didn’t feel prepared for any of the challenges he faced. When God called to Moses out of a burning bush and told him to go to Pharaoh, Moses protested—even when God gave him signs. But God was patient with Moses and gave him the courage and help he needed to go before Pharaoh and order the release of God’s people. God helped Moses to brave the ten plagues and the flight from Egypt. And God helped Moses to stand firm when God’s people were trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army.

Sunday, September 14
Joshua and the Spies
After a long journey through the wilderness, Moses and God’s people neared the land that God had promised to them. But when Moses sent out twelve spies to survey the land, they came back with mixed reports. While the spies all agreed the land was full of good things, ten of the spies were fearful of the people who lived there in strong, walled cities. Joshua and Caleb alone encouraged the people that God was with them and would help them take the land. But when God’s people gave in to panic instead of listening to Joshua, God told Moses the people must now wander in the wilderness for 40 years. Only Joshua and Caleb would live to enter the Promised Land.

Sunday, September 21
Rahab Helps the Spies
Nearly forty years later, it was at last time for God’s people, now led by Joshua, to enter the Promised Land. But the strong-walled city of Jericho guarded the entrance to the new land. So Joshua sent two spies into the city, where they met a woman named Rahab. Instead of reporting the men, she risked everything to hide them from danger. Because of this, Rahab and her family were saved when God’s people conquered Jericho.

Sunday, September 28
Ruth
When Naomi returned home to Bethlehem from Moab, after losing her husband and sons, she expected to go back alone. But her daughter-in-law Ruth chose to give up her homeland and everything she knew to make the long journey to Bethlehem with Naomi… even though she had no idea what would happen to her there. Once they arrived, Ruth continued to help her mother-in-law. Because of Ruth’s courage, God gave her a new family, and Ruth even became part of the family line of Jesus.

When I’m afraid, I put my trust in you.

Psalm 56:3 NIrV